Play Hard, Eat Right!   What and when the athletes eat on game day is important … but most of the energy needed for the game is provided by whatever the athletes have eaten during the previous week. In the week leading up to a tournament, try to stick with meals of primarily carbohydrates, low-to-moderate amounts of protein, and even less fat. Players should also be drinking plenty of plain water in the days leading up to the tournament to help them stay hydrated.